| United front by 2010 World Cup organizers for FIFA stadium visit |
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| Tuesday, 19 February 2008 | |
 JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Organizers of the 2010 World Cup greeted FIFA inspectors with a united front Monday amid reports of internal strife.Irvin Khoza, chairman of the local organizing committee, denied a serious rift with organizing chief Danny Jordaan. A front-page story in South Africa's Sunday Times was headlined "2010 Turmoil." "There is a lot of despondency (in South Africa)," Khoza said at a news conference. "The 2010 FIFA World Cup is one project which gives hope to all of us. Let us not destroy it." The inspectors visited Ellis Park in Johannesburg and Pretoria's Loftus stadium. They will tour six of the 10 host cities to check on infrastructure, transportation, housing and marketing. Despite early delays and a series of strikes, most stadiums are now reportedly on schedule, but concerns remain about the transit system. Authorities are grappling with housing shortages and are trying to calm fears about crime. Also expected to be discussed are electricity shortages in many parts of the country. South Africa will be the first African nation to host the World Cup. FIFA and local organizers have repeatedly denied rumors the tournament might be moved. "This World Cup can never fail," said Khoza, adding that "many sacrifices" already had been made. "(Nelson Mandela) defied doctor's orders to travel with us to Zurich for our final 2010 bid presentation. After we won the bid, Madiba (Mandela) said, 'Now I can see my grave,"' Khoza added. "You can't be responsible for failing a man of that caliber." |
